Dr. George Thatvihane

ATTN: University of Rochester Department of Public Safety University of Rochester / Medical Center RE: Pursuant Federal Law (42 CFR 482.13), Formal Complaint against Dr. George Thatvihane and Rochester Strong Memorial Hospital Emergency Department; Medical Malpractice, Patient Rights Violations and Inadequate Emergency Care. I am submitting this statement to formally document serious concerns regarding the quality of care, I received during my recent emergency department visit on 04/11/2026, at Rochester Strong Memorial Emergency Department. I checked into the emergency room at Rochester Strong Memorial hospital at approximately 11:00am. I was ordered by my infectious disease doctor to report to the emergency department due to parasitic infection. I informed the nurse my parasitologist ordered me to report to the emergency room due to infection and currently discharging parasites. My vital signs were approximately 170/122, due to the infection. My heart rate was monitored on my… apple watch. Heart rate reached 171 bpm. My experience fell significantly below acceptable medical and professional standards. The care I received represents a clear breakdown in communication and a violation of my right to informed consent. Violation of the Right to Informed Consent (New York Public Health Law 2805-d), I was not informed that a pregnancy test would be performed, nor was my consent obtained prior to the administration of this test. Under New York law, patients have the right to receive sufficient information regarding proposed tests and procedures, including their nature and purpose, in order to make an informed decision. Performing a medical test without disclosure or consent constitutes a failure to obtain informed consent. Additionally, when I declined the use of contrast for a CT scan due to an elevated heart rate and personal safety concerns, my decision was not handled with appropriate clinical professionalism. Instead of engaging in a meaningful discussion about alternative options or explaining the risks and benefits, Dr. George Thatvihane then stated, “we have specialist there in case something happens during the procedure”. I informed Dr. George Thatvihane, I was not comfortable or willing to take that risk. I stated, I would do the CAT scan without contrast. Dr. George Thatvihane said, NO and walked away. I was discharged within 5 minutes of my conversation with Dr. George Thatvihane. Violation of the Right to Clear Communication and Information Disclosure (Patient Bill of Rights – 10 NYCRR 405.7), At no point was I provided with clear explanations regarding the necessity of the pregnancy test, the risks and benefits of contrast imaging in relation to my condition, or alternative diagnostic options. Patients have the right to receive complete and understandable information to make informed healthcare decisions. Violation of the Right to Participate in Medical Decision-Making (Patient Bill of Rights – 10 NYCRR 405.7), When I declined contrast for a CT scan due to an elevated heart rate and personal safety concerns, my decision was not respected in a clinically appropriate manner. Patients have the right to refuse treatment and to be informed of the medical consequences of that refusal. Instead of providing alternatives or documenting an informed refusal discussion, I was discharged without adequate evaluation or explanation. Violation of Federal Emergency Care Protections (Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act – EMTALA, 42 U.S.C. 1395dd), Under EMTALA, hospitals are required to provide an appropriate medical screening examination and stabilize emergency medical conditions prior to discharge. Discharging a patient shortly after refusal of a specific diagnostic component (contrast) — without ensuring a complete and appropriate evaluation or offering reasonable alternatives — raises concerns regarding whether an adequate medical screening and stabilization obligation was fulfilled. Most concerning was the p